C T Online Desk: The flood situation in Bandarban has begun to improve after several days of heavy rain, with water levels in the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers receding.
As floodwaters continue to subside, people are leaving emergency shelters and returning home. However, they now face the challenge of cleaning up damaged homes and rebuilding their lives.
Heavy rain and landslides over the past few days inundated large parts of the district, submerging homes, shops, educational institutions and roads in low-lying areas across several upazilas, including Bandarban town. A total of 6,250 people took shelter in centres opened by the district administration.
Although the water has receded, many residents have returned to find their homes covered in mud and debris. Families are cleaning their houses, removing damaged furniture and repairing homes affected by the floods.
Food, clothing, furniture, important documents and other household belongings were damaged or destroyed. Many areas are still facing shortages of safe drinking water, raising concerns over the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly among children and older people.
Bandarban municipality administrator SM Manjurul Haque said cleanup and sanitation drives are underway in affected areas. Municipal workers are clearing drains and sewers, removing waste and restoring essential services to help residents return to normal life as quickly as possible.
According to the district administration, six people died in rain-related incidents—five in landslides and one after being swept away by floodwaters. Authorities are also assessing the extent of damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
Bandarban LGED Executive Engineer Pratipada Dewan said damage to roads and culverts under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is estimated at Tk4 crore.
The army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), fire service, volunteer organizations and local residents are assisting the administration with rehabilitation and cleanup efforts.
Although floodwaters are receding, rebuilding homes and livelihoods remains the biggest challenge for the people of Bandarban.
